Last updated on May 18th, 2024 at 07:58 am
More than a million people currently live in Tucson, Arizona; many with homes that pay homage to the city’s Spanish-Indian past. Mid Century architecture, a sweeping collection of Spanish, Mediterranean, and Tudor Revival designs, and even modern contemporary homes, are found in the desert landscape of the Old Pueblo. Cultures and histories from different walks of life merge together in this city surrounded by the Sonoran desert and known for its beautiful sunsets.
A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey names Tanque Verde the wealthiest town in the state of Arizona, with a median income of $93,000. This scenic suburb offers a range of home options such as ranch, Mediterranean, and contemporary style homes on large private lots. The Catalina Foothills and Oro Valley are also some of the most popular neighborhoods, with modern townhomes, historic Spanish mission houses, and adobe Pueblo revivals lining the streets.
Renovating these eclectic mix of homes are many talented local contractors. This list features the top general contractors, selected based on their high quality of work, excellent customer service, and prestigious accolades.
15) East Coast Contractors
610 South Park, Tucson, AZ 85719
East Coast Contractors is a design-build company that prides itself on offering full-spectrum architectural design and superior craftsmanship in its residential and commercial projects. The company provides high-end renovation, remodeling, and restoration services in the greater Tucson and Scottsdale areas. Its portfolio includes updated adobe classics and modern living spaces in cool neutral tones.
Michael Ablin and Richard Lindsay are the partners that own and direct the company towards its goals. Ablin is a Chicago native who headed to New York City where he began his career in construction with a focus on historic preservation. Also in New York, in upstate Adirondack, Lindsay was exposed to many forms of construction at an early age. Years later, he gathered experience in high-end residential remodeling, renovation, restoration, and custom home building.
14) Desert Earth and Wood
421 N 5th Ave, Ste 107, Tucson, AZ 85705
Design-build firm Desert Earth and Wood integrates functionality with aesthetics in building custom homes and renovations. Run by Timothy Barrett, it has served Tucson and Southern Arizona for over 30 years, with attention to detail, careful research, and experienced construction management. Timothy is joined by his wife Jain at the helm of the company. Both are members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and Jain is a Universal Design Certified Professional.
The firm is not afraid to experiment with bold colors and unique shapes and structures to achieve the best look in its projects. It recently renovated a bungalow home and added this eccentric Mediterranean outdoor space, featuring a full kitchen and bar with pizza oven. The small intimate backyard provides privacy and peaceful seclusion from the urban setting.
13) Arizona Building Contractors
2231 W Diamond St, Tucson, AZ 85705
With 65 years of combined experience, Arizona Building Contractors has established itself as one of the most trusted remodelers in the Tucson and Southern Arizona area. It combines bespoke aesthetics and practical construction solutions in its new custom homes, kitchen and bathroom remodels, additions, and specialty rooms. It works in traditional and rustic styles that are commonly seen in homes dotting the Arizona landscape.
The firm was founded by Dan Gullick in 2007. He started in the construction industry in 1998 as an apprentice electrician in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 640. He furthered his career as an electrician for 8 years in Phoenix, Tucson, and points between and beyond.
12) Mountain Sky Building and Design
4240 S Fair Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714
Mountain Sky Building and Design is a residential contractor in Tucson that does home remodeling, room additions, and new construction. Owned by Tony Lamb, the firm is also able to provide custom cabinetry design and countertop fabricating services created locally in its own shop. Tony works with local architects, designers, and subcontractors to ensure the execution of work meets all design goals. Additionally, the firm has participated in the Southern Arizona Home Builders (SHBA) Home Show.
Remodels and renovations from this firm often make use of granite, quartz, and marble, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. This elegant and sleek remodeled master bath draws inspiration from modern European bathroom design with its custom floating cabinets and freestanding tub. It also features a steam shower with gold-speckled granite shower walls.
11) Hodges Construction
4590 N Caminito de la Puerta, Tucson, AZ 85718
Remodeling and restoring traditional Spanish mission houses and building custom homes with Southwestern styles is what Hodges Construction does best. This Tucson general contractor specializes in bringing historical beauty and importance into the modern times through its remodels and renovations. It works mostly with stucco, adobe brick, iron, and tile.
Established by Phillip Hodges, the firm has built a reputation as an expert remodeler in its 35 years in the business. In addition to its residential projects, the firm also has its commercial division that provides new construction, remodeling, and tenant improvements. It serves the Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley, and other areas in Tucson.
10) Pro Remodeling and Restoration
3200 S Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85713
Pro Remodeling and Restoration is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in whole home renovations, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and historic home restoration. Father and son, John and Russ Almond, run this 45-year-old company and keep a close eye on all of its projects. They ensure that their company fulfills its mission of bringing old world quality and real world value.
The firm works with traditional Tuscan and Spanish styles dominated by the use of wood, brick, and stone. Recently, it has incorporated modern styles in its remodels and renovations for a more current look and feel. This remodel of a living room retains its old world vibe with the corner adobe fireplace and brick columns and arch. It is paired with a stark white wall and new floor tiling to open up the space and update the room.
9) Mellgren Homes
14878 E Circle W Ranch Pl, Tucson, AZ 85641
Established in 2006, Mellgren Homes is a fairly young company in the remodeling scene of Tucson, but it does not come short in terms of high quality design and construction. It builds high-end custom homes and does upscale renovations in Pima County and surrounding areas.
The company’s principal Dave Mellgren has worked in the remodeling and home building business for over 25 years. His impeccable work speaks volumes for his experience starting as a young carpenter, to working in project management of high-end custom homes. Dave is also a NARI certified remodeler.
The firm often puts unique features in the rooms and spaces it remodels, whether it be an impressive fireplace or a unique lighting design. This great room in a whole house remodel in Ventana boasts large glass windows that brings lots of natural light in and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding environment. A dramatic modern fireplace with dark surrounding stone extends from floor to ceiling extend the room further and acts as the rooms focal point.
8) Valley Development Corporation
6262 N Swan Road, Ste 125, Tucson, AZ 85718
From simple cosmetic makeovers of spaces to extensive whole house renovations, Valley Development Corporation has made home building more practical and enjoyable for its clients in the Old Pueblo. The company is run by Robert Zammit, a full-service residential and commercial contractor and home builder, with 30 years of experience building exclusively in Tucson. Robert was once named Custom Home Builder of the Year by the Arizona Business Magazine.
The firm’s work blends country styles with Southwestern charm. Different pops of color, exposed wood beams, and intricate tile are some of the firms signature materials that effectively add character to the home. Modern touches are also seen in its projects, such as sustainable green building techniques and salvaged or repurposed materials.
7) EMV Design Build
510 N 7th Ave, Suite 120, Tucson, AZ 85705
EMV Design Build was established with a mission to provide turn-key solutions to clients for their construction projects. With specialties in design-build remodels, interior design, and construction management, the company aims to provide a more seamless construction process to its clients.
The firm was founded by Edith Villalobos-Zamora, who has over ten years of experience in the industry as an interior designer. Adding the building element to her business allowed her to marry unique design elements into spaces with the technical side of construction. She also lends her leadership skills as an active Ambassador and Board Member for the Board of Directors of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The firm’s projects lean on the more traditional side with modern bents here and there. It remodels kitchens, bathrooms, and specialty rooms such as laundry rooms and mud rooms. It also does renovations to accommodate aging-in-place and universal designs.
6) Alta Constructors
250 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
Alta Constructors is a Tucson-based building design and construction firm dedicated to creating and building elegant, modernist-inspired homes and living spaces. Their signature contemporary style breathes new life into the Arizona desert with monochromatic palettes, airy open layouts, and sleek modern lines.
David Papanikolas is the president of this family-run company that started in 1970. Initially, the firm was known for building mid-sized housing developments as well as office and industrial warehouse developments. It has since shifted its focus into a more design-build nature with high regard to timeless architecture and construction.
This remodeled ranch home featured in Tucson Lifestyle is a perfect example of the firm’s specialty. Built in 1961, the now updated Mid-century ranch features sleek, angular lines and large expanses of windows from which to see the Catalina and Rincon Mountains. New white oak cabinets, a prep island with a quartz countertop, and 24-inch gray porcelain tile installed throughout the home bring together the whole look.
5) Taylor Design Build
425 W. Paseo Redondo, Ste 7, Tucson, AZ 85701
Taylor Design Build is a firm that elevates homes through beautiful innovative architecture and sustainable building techniques. This collaborative firm relies on both its in-house experts and outsourced professionals to bring to life its clients’ dream homes and renovations. Modern structures and international design influences make its homes popular in the Tucson.
The firm’s principal and founder Bil Taylor is a graduate of Boston Architectural College. He traveled to the high desert of Arizona to work for eco-architect Paolo Soleri. Soon, he discovered his own path and evolved towards a more modern, practical ethos due to his mentor’s influence. He established the firm in 1980 and has since built distinct custom homes and extensive renovations throughout Tucson.
Its projects have gained recognition from various magazines locally and nationally. Tucson Home, Tucson Home & Garden, Desert Living, and House Beautiful have featured its projects on their covers and pages. This large modern addition highlighted in Tucson Lifestyle features a new multi-slide disappearing door that opens the sitting room to the covered patio and out to the backyard. A concrete scrim wall has horizontal lines that correspond to the brick mortar joints of the existing 71-year-old house.
4) Maly and Associates
4729 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718
Maly and Associates is a design-build firm that does residential and commercial construction and other property needs. Since opening in 1982, the firm has serviced over 3000 clients in the Tucson area alone with its comprehensive list of services that include property maintenance, construction, renovation, and landscaping.
The firm started with a single sweeping machine at a strip mall. Over the years, founder and CEO Marigale Maly took the firm from a company managing facilities, into one building them. Her leadership and entrepreneurial skills earned the company a spot on the list of Top Women-Owned Businesses in Inside Tucson Business. She now works with seasoned craftsmen, designers, and subcontractors, along with the firm’s in-house team of professionals in building and renovating residences all over Tucson.
In the renovation and remodeling aspect, the firm specializes in additions and outdoor spaces. Pools, patios, and outdoor fireplaces are some of the common features of its projects. Its use of wood, stone, and brick successfully transform spaces into warm inviting areas for entertainment. Additionally, kitchen and bathroom remodels are popular among its clients.
3) Interior Trends Remodel and Design
3227 N Palo Verde Ave, Tucson, AZ 85716
Founded in 1989, Interior Trends Remodel and Design is a kitchen, bathroom and residential remodeling firm doing both large and small projects throughout Tucson and the surrounding communities. Clients praise the firm’s timeless designs and impeccable construction with Tuscan and Spanish influences.
The firm has the distinction of being women-owned and operated by Kathy Lyle and Kathy Nieto. The two Kathy’s teamed up in the 80’s to start the company. Nieto started in construction, working in her family’s commercial plumbing and mechanical contracting business, while Lyle has 30 years of interior designing experience.
Its homes and spaces can often be found gracing the pages of Tucson Lifestyle Home & Garden. The firm’s restoration of this Mid-century Modern home retained the home’s special details—the knotty pine tongue-and-groove planks, wood beams punctuated with thick rope accents, and the copper ore fireplace—while updating the floors with terrazzo and installing new cabinets and countertops.
2) Eren Design & Remodel
55 N Avenida De La Vista, Tucson, AZ 85710
Eren Design & Remodel is a design-build remodeler known for blending small town charm and contemporary practicality in its homes. Whether an all-white palette and modern lines, or a warm stone and brick space with Spanish accents, the firm utilizes both to bring the best out of the homes it renovates. Its kitchen and bathroom remodels are favorites of their clients, but whole home renovations, additions, and even custom homes are also their specialties.
The firm has earned awards from the SHBA, such as the prestigious Remodeler of the Year Award in 2017 and 2012, and design awards from Qualified Remodeler, Remodeling Magazine, and Professional Remodeler Magazine. It has also earned awards for outstanding service and client satisfaction.
The company’s current president, Janice Donald, took over operations in 2001 from the former owners, Eric and Ellen Schneider. She had worked at the company since 1992 in an accounting capacity, until she became CEO in 2000. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and served as the President of the NARI – Southern Arizona Chapter.
1) McCaleb Construction
2102 N Country Club Rd, Bldg 9, Tucson, AZ 8571
McCaleb Construction is an expert when it comes to renovating and restoring homes in Spanish Colonial flair. Stucco finishes, adobe exteriors, wooden vaulted ceilings, and hand-painted tiles in bold colors are prominent in its homes. Open layouts and wide doors seamlessly bring the outside in to add a modern touch.
This full-service design-build firm has honed its craft in its 36 years in the business, earning awards and praise from the remodeling industry. The SAHBA named it Remodeler of the Year in 2011, 2013, and 2015. It is also a Chrysalis regional awardee, a NARI Contractor of the Year awardee in 2012, and part of the Remodeling Big 50 of Remodeling Magazine. Additionally, it gained national recognition as Tucson’s featured remodeler on PBS-TV’s “This Old House.”
The firm’s principal and founder, John McCaleb, came to Tucson from Chicago. His operation has evolved from a custom home spec builder to a high-end remodeling company. He and his team work on several projects a year ranging from $18,000 to $925,000.
How can I find a general contractor near me?
Read our latest articles on the best general contractors in and near Arizona. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
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This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration
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